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Coming
off a 5-5 season a year ago, quarterback Taylor Moore will hope
to send Union City on to a Tri-Eastern
Conference title and a possible
run in the IHSAA playoffs. CNO Photo by George Starks
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Malloy
optimistic at Union City
By George Starks
ARCANUM- It’s not everyday football teams from Indiana will get to go
east of the state line for a scrimmage.
Union City is one of those teams that will get that privilege on a
yearly basis.
Veteran football coach Keith Malloy packed the Indians up Thursday and
traveled east to Arcanum for a seven on seven football scrimmage.
It was a day Malloy could look at different offensive and defensive
sets by schools from a state that lives the sport.
“I love coming over here, said Malloy. “We got to see some other teams
and it got us away from the Indiana teams for a day. With teams like
Arcanum, Sidney Lehman, Ansonia, New Bremen and Brookville, we get
several different looks. We found out today that we need to catch the
ball better and run some better routes. I know we need to improve but
we’re close to where we need to be. These teams are good teams for us
to see. This is just a great opportunity for us and our kids.”
Malloy was not overly pleased with the way his offense started the day.
“I think our offense was very sluggish in the beginning,” stated
Malloy. “We came on a little bit late but we’re getting there. The
defense is definitely ahead of the offense right now but I’m pleased
with where they’re at.”
As with all football teams, the offense starts with the signal caller.
That is senior Taylor Moore for Malloy’s team.
“Taylor started for me last year and he’s made a lot of improvements
from a year ago,” Malloy stated. “He’s got to protect the ball better
and know when to get rid of the ball instead of holding on to it. My
receivers are fast, quick and athletic. We just have to make sure they
are catching the ball.”
Over the past few years, Union City has posted some winning records,
including a 9-2 season that included a play-off win. (Indiana plays a
nine game regular season with everyone getting one play-off game)
Last year, the Tribe sported a 5-5 mark with a very young team.
Now, a year later, Malloy looks to get back to the winning side of the
ledger.
“We have a lot of places we need to improve on,” said Malloy. “We have
15 seniors this year and coming in to the season, everyone’s excited
and expecting more this year. These kids are focused and hopefully they
will have a shot at a conference title (Tri-Eastern Conference).
Union City will open at home on August 22 against TEC foe, Tri-High.
The following Friday, the Indians will travel to Mississinawa Valley
for a date with the Blackhawks.
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